PortLoko District Council, October 28, 2024 – As Sierra Leone advances towards realizing the ambitious goals of the Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2024–2030, the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) hosted a pivotal popularization and decentralization event at the Port Loko District Council Hall. This gathering, the fourth of its kind at the district level, underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring broad-based ownership of the national development blueprint. The event utilizes the District Development Coordination Committee (DDCC) platform.

Delivering his remarks, Port Loko District Council Chairman Sheiku Tejan Saccoh highlighted the alignment of the MTNDP with local priorities. “This MTNDP has shaped the Council Development Plan, ensuring that all identified needs are fully integrated,” said Chairman Saccoh, emphasizing that the strategic alignment allows the district to implement impactful projects tailored to local needs, such as agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment, and infrastructure. This collaborative synergy, he noted, is vital to securing sustainable development for the people of Port Loko.

The event brought together key stakeholders, including traditional leaders, parliament members, civil society organizations (CSOs), pupils, and council representatives, all united in their endorsement of the MTNDP. Nakiaya Kamara, representing the CSO community, stressed the importance of ethical governance, transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. “The MTNDP provides a strategic framework that guides the development agenda for the people of Sierra Leone,” she said, calling on the government to uphold these principles throughout the plan’s implementation.

Adding to the discussions, Mariatu Kanu, a prominent women’s representative, praised the plan’s focus on poverty eradication as a pillar of action. She affirmed the role of women as crucial agents in bringing about social and economic change.

In his address, Deputy Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Mr. Jonathan Titus, reiterated the government’s commitment to decentralizing development planning through local engagement and capacity building. “Our gathering here today marks another symbolic illustration of our government’s determination to ensure that development is truly owned by the people,” he remarked. He urged local communities to lead in implementing, monitoring, and evaluating the MTNDP initiatives.

Deputy Minister Titus also assured attendees that the MTNDP’s goals are aligned with both the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 and the African Union Agenda 2063. He clarified that the seven-year timeline of the MTNDP is not an extension of President Bio’s administration but rather a dedicated effort to synchronize national development priorities with long-term global and regional objectives. “Unity, collaboration, and a continuous monitoring and evaluation mechanism will be critical to achieving our development programs across the country,” he added.

Mr. Marrah, head of the agriculture sector, expressed his department’s dedication to monitoring agricultural projects closely, reflecting the government’s prioritization of agriculture as one of the “Big Five Game Changers.” These strategic focus areas, which include Feed Salone, Human Capital Development, Youth Employment, Technology and Infrastructure, and Public Service Transformation, are central to the MTNDP’s vision for a prosperous Sierra Leone.

Port Loko City Council Mayor Alieu Badara Tarawallie also voiced his commitment to the initiative, pledging to integrate government activities and MTNDP objectives through the District Development Coordinating Committee (DDCC) to ensure that local development efforts align with national goals.

The MTNDP 2024-2030 builds upon the achievements of the previous plan, which emphasized free quality education, healthcare, and capacity-building initiatives. With Feed Salone as the flagship program, the plan’s focus on food security and economic resilience is designed to address both past and emerging challenges, setting the stage for inclusive growth and sustainable progress for Sierra Leone.

For further information, please contact Alfred Kabia on +23279174027 or visit the Ministry’s official social media handles: Twitter-@moped2024, on Facebook and website: Moped.gov.sl 
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